Nvidia and TII Launch Middle East's First Joint AI and Robotics Research Lab in Abu Dhabi

Historic Collaboration Establishes Regional AI Hub

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – On September 22, 2025, a significant milestone in artificial intelligence and robotics research was achieved with the official launch of a joint laboratory by global technology leader Nvidia and Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Located in Abu Dhabi, this collaboration marks the establishment of the first Nvidia AI Technology Center (NVAITC) in the Middle East, positioning the region at the forefront of advanced AI development.

The new facility, officially named the TII-NVIDIA AI Technology Centre (NVAITC) Joint Lab for AI and Robotics, aims to accelerate innovation across various industries by focusing on next-generation AI models, robotics platforms, and humanoid technologies. This partnership aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, which seeks to establish the country as a global leader in AI.

Focus on Embodied AI and Advanced Robotics

The joint lab will concentrate its research efforts on several cutting-edge areas, combining TII's multidisciplinary research expertise with Nvidia's advanced AI models and accelerated computing platforms. Key research domains include:

• Embodied AI models and physical AI systems
• Development of humanoid technologies and robotics platforms
• Real-time robotic systems and control at scale
• Integration of large language models, including TII's proprietary Falcon family of AI models

A core technological highlight of this collaboration is the utilization of Nvidia's 'Thor' chip, a powerful edge GPU specifically designed for advanced robotic systems development. This chip will be instrumental in advancing TII's ongoing research into various robotic systems, such as humanoid robots, quadruped (four-legged) robots, and robotic arms, with planned applications in sectors like transportation and logistics.

Leadership Statements and Strategic Importance

The agreement was signed at TII's headquarters in Abu Dhabi by Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, and Marc Domenech, Regional Director, Enterprise – META Region at Nvidia. Dr. Aaraj emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, 'This collaboration with NVIDIA marks a major step toward building AI-enhanced robotic systems capable of reasoning, adapting, and acting in complex environments.' She added that combining TII's robotic platforms with powerful AI models and compute would 'accelerate the convergence of perception, control, and language – laying the foundation for a new era of intelligent machines.'

Carlo Ruiz, VP – Enterprise Solutions & Operations EMEA at Nvidia, noted that the lab expands Nvidia's global NVAITC network into robotics for the Middle East, aiming to help researchers accelerate breakthroughs in intelligent systems. The initiative underscores Abu Dhabi's long-term strategy to advance technological sovereignty and the UAE's ambition to become a global AI and robotics hub.